Automatic sampler and liquid feeding device



Aug. 17, 1943. c. w. MORSE AUTOMATIC SAMPLER AND LIQUID FEEDING DEVICE Filed Dec. 10, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 n.-nlnnunuuuunn,

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Aug. 17,1943. c. w. MORSE AUTOMATIC SAMPLER AND LIQUID FEEDING DEVICE Filed Dec. 10, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 NW m] l/IIlI/l/I I I I I I |I\II II. II M HIII I I //////////V/l .ww MM km I. n w P an H ii mmn m l l HE m H W I D l v -A||| Iv M N C/zZzrZzs attorneys.

Patented Aug. 17, 1943' AUTOMATIC SANIPLER AND LIQUID FEEDWG DEVICE Charles W. Morse, Anaconda, Mont. Application December llll, 1941, Serial No. 422,464 2 Claims. (El. 73-21) The present invention relates to improvements in automatic samplers and liquid feeding devices and, referring to the automatic sampling apparatus, the invention more particularly relates to that type used'in taking simultaneous, multiple samples across the entire width of a stream of pulp or liquid flowing in an inclined trough or launder.

As generally used, such apparatus comprises a combination of stationary splitters or rifles with a moving sample-cutter. The riifies consist of a number of vertical partitions of wood or metal, installed, parallel to the flow, at intervals across the width of the launder, usually in such a manner as to split up the flowing material into alternate wide and narrow streams. These riffies are so constructed as to divert the wide streams downward into another launder, through which this portion of the material thus flows to its destination. The narrow streams, on the other hand, are allowed to flow on down the original launder, and at a suitable point are sampled by a moving sample cutter of appropriate type. At this point, another drop occurs, the main portion of this smaller stream joining the bull; of the original stream in the lower launder, and the sample passing to a container provided.

Sampling apparatus arranged and operated as described in the foregoing is subject to a number of disadvantages. In the first place, the stationary riffies, remaining continuously in the stream, tend to become clogged by foreign matter, such as wood chips or fabric, and are difficult to lreep clear for the passage of the stream of pulp. also, an account of the two drops necessary (one at the rifiies and the other at the sample cutter), the continuity of the launder system is badly broken up, and valuable headroom lost, involving increased cost of installa tion and inconvenience of operation. Again, the use of the stationary riflles, in addition to the moving sample cutter, entails a relatively costly installation, requiring considerable attendance and maintenance labor.

An object of this invention is, to eliminate the stationary riflies in the launder, and to provide an equally eflective form of sampling device, none of the constituent parts of which remain continuously in the stream of material being sampled.

Another object of this invention is, to eliminate drops in the launder system, and to make possible the use of one continuous launder, carrying the stream both before and after sampling,

with no loss of head-room due to transfer of material from one launder to another.

A further object of this invention is, to provide a simpler and more compact form of sampling device, costing less in itself and permitting the use of a less costly launder system. also requiring less labor for its operation and maintenance.

A still further object of this invention is, to provide a sampling device which can, if found expedient, deliver the sample secured, in two separate portions of equal or unequal size, this being accomplished without undue complication of. construction.

In so far as the invention is applicable to liquid feeding apparatus, it may be employed for the dispensing of exactly regulated quantities of reagents, such as oils, acids or the like, in chemical and metallurgical plants.

An object of this invention in liquid feeding apparatus is, to provide a device for the purpose described, which shall be simple and compact in construction, and shall require a minimum of operating and maintenance attention.

A further object of this invention in liquid feeding apparatus is, to provide a device of the character described, which shall operate at a constant speed of revolution, but still be capable of very exact adjustment in order to vary and closely regulate the quantity of liquid dispensed.

A further object of the 'invention is to provide a form of apparatus equally applicable for use in sampling and liquid feeding and which has the characteristic objects of both devices as hereinbefore set forth.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention will be more fully described hereinafter, and will be more particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto.

In the drawings, wherein like symbols refer to like or corresponding parts throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a launder equipped with an automatic sampling apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 22 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary transverse section taken on an enlarged scale on the line 33 in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a transverse fragmentary section similar to Figure 3 showing a modification.

Figure 5 is an end view of the hollow shaft,

rod and support as viewed from the left end of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of a liquid feeding apparatus complete as constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal section taken along the line i -l of Figure 8.

Figure 8 is atransverse section taken on an enlarged scale along the line 8-8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a vertical fragmentary section taken on the line 3-3 in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is asimilar view taken on the line lt-lll in Figure 8 Figure 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal section similar to Figure 7 but showing a different form of adjustable support for the hinged platform.

Referring to Figures 1 to inclusive, l2 indicates a launder or trough constructed on a suitable slope to convey the material stream l3. The sampler or distributor shaft I4 is rotatably carried in bearings I! which extend across the launder l2 with terminal open ends of the shaft M preferably projecting beyond the sides of such launder. The shaft I4 is hollow and carries one or more sample cutters 13 which are also hollow and communicate with the interior of the tubular shaft it by the internal openings l'l. Such sample cutters l3 "are in the form of scoops. They are preferably segmental in outline\ and are enclosed on all sides with the exception that in their forward walls they are provided with external or receiving openings I 8. These external openings I 3 are positioned to lie partially submerged in the material stream 13 when the scoops or sample cutters it are in the full line position shown in Figure 2, which is the sampling position.

A wedge insert is is installed in the bottom of the launder i2, extending acrossits entire width as shown in Figure l, and disposed as close to thescoops as possible with the tips 20 of the scoops barely clearing the adjacent deep end of the wedge insert l9.

When the sample secured is to be delivered in one stream or portion only, a suitable plug or partition is installed, as indicated at 2| in Figure l, in the interior of the hollow shaft i4, thus blocking exit of the sample in that direction. A sample container 22 is provided at the open or discharge end of the hollow shaft I.

When, however, the sample is to be delivered in two portions, a plug, such as 23 in Figure 3, is placed at an intermediate position with re spe'ct to the scoops, and an additional sample container 22' is provided at the opposite end of the hollow shaft I4.

The shaft H may be rotated by hand or by any suitable mechanical means. As shown in Figure 1 a sprocket and connected chain 24 are utilized for this purpose. The chain may be driven by an electric motor, as shown in Figure 6, or by any other source of power.

The operation of the device as a sample taking device is as follows:

During the non-sampling period, the scoops or sample cutters it remain in the position A- indicated by broken lines in Figure 2. Timing and driving means of an appropriate type are provided, which, at predetermined and adjustable intervals, cause shaft ll, to which scoops ii are made fast, to make one revolution in the direction of the curved arrows in Figure 2. During this clockwise revolution the sample cutters It enter, pass through and leave material stream During the passage of sample cutters It through material stream i3, the sample being secured enters the cutters through the external openings I8. As the cutters I3 approach position A their configuration causes the, sample to be poured through internal openings i1 into the hollow interior of the sampler shaft it, through which the sample travels to one or both of the sample containers 22, 22'. The segmental form of the scoops It involves radial walls 25 and 28 which converge centrally toward the internal opening H. The radial wall 25 is the front or leading wall; while the radial wall 23 is the rear or trailing wall with respect to the direction of clockwise rotation. The arcuate outer wall 21 facilitates the. movement of the captured sample toward the rear wall 26 on the upward movement of the arcuate wall 21 in the quadrant of its movement through which it passes immediately after trapping the sample in the mouth or external opening l8.

It will be seen that, when the sample is to be delivered in two portions, the relative sizes of such portions are influenced by the position of the plug 23 within the hollow shaft I4, which determines how many of the individual sample cutters or scoops l6 deliver to each end of the sampler shaft I,

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the plug in the manent; or at least not readily adjustable. Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement by which the position of the plug can be quickly and easily changed to any point desired within the hollow shaft H. In accordance with this arrangement the plug 23 is movable axially within the hollow shaft l4 and is rigidly mounted on a spindle or rod 28. This rod is adjustably mounted through the hollow shaft l4 and slidable through brackets 29 attached to the ends of the shaft id. The spindle or rod 28 is sumciently long to project beyond each of the brackets 29 to permit of varying the position of the movable plug or partition 23 over the entire necessary range without losing the support of either of the brackets 23.

In Figure 4 index markings or graduations 30 are made on the outer end portions of the spindie or rod 23 to enable the operator to spot the plug 23 at any position desired along the interior of the hollow shaft ll. It should be noted that spindle 28 might if desired be supported by a bracket 28 at one end of the shaft only, the plug 23 within the shaft l4 serving as a second support;' but the use of two brackets 29 is preferred, as when two such brackets are used the plug 23 is less likely to jam or bind within the shaft ll. Also, the graduations can be placed at one or both ends of the spindle 28, the latter arrangement being in some cases more convenient for the operator.

Referring to Figure 5, it will be noted that the brackets 29 are so located that, when the cutters l3 are at rest in position A (Figure 2), and the sample is passed out through the end or ends of the shaft ll, no obstruction is offered to its free discharge from the ends of the shaft ll. In other words the attachment of the brackets 29 to the end of the shaft is at the same angular position from which the cutters or scoops i3 project so that when the scoops are elevated the attached portion of the brackets 28 will also be elevated, that is reversed 180 from the position shown in Figure 5, thus leaving the lower part and sides of the open ends of the shaft it free and unimpeded. Figures 4 and 5 show the cutters in the stream and not in sample-discharging position.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that:

The stationary rifiles ordinarily used in the launder have been eliminated, and replaced by the revolving sample shaft M with its sample cutters, which secure an equally representative sample, but which are normally maintained in a position clear of the material stream, and enter it only at intervals when a sample is being taken, and which thus are less likely to become clogged by foreign material in the pulp.

By the use of the wedge insert in the launder, a slight step or 'drop is created, which is sum.- cient to ensure that the sample is secured through the entire depth of the material stream. This slight step takes the place of the first drop, from upper to lower launder, which ordinarily occurs at the point where the stationary rifiies are placed. The second drop in the launder system, occurring at the sample-cutter usually used to sample the reduced stream from the stationary riflles, is also eliminated.

Since the revolving sampler shaft, with its sample cutters, replaces both the stationary riflies and the-moving sample cutter usually employed with them, the sampling installation itself has thus been simplified, as has also the launder system (by eliminating drops of the stream from launder to launder), and the new arrangement.

can be operated and maintained with less labor.

Provision has been. made, also, by means of varying the location of the plug in the sampler shaft, for the securing and delivery of two separate samples if so desired, and this has been done without appreciable increase in the cost or complexity of the device.

It should also be noted that, for instance, in the case of a very narrow launder not requiring the securing of multiple, simultaneous samples, this device can be employed with only a single sample cutter, mounted on the hollow shaft, and operating in conjunction with the wedge insert, which would be an improvement over single-cutter samplers of the usual types.

Another variation would be the use of the device to sample two parallel but separate streams, using a common shaft, with single or multiple cutters in either launder.

Referring more particularly to Figures 6 to 11 inclusive, 5i designates a reagent tank, in which a supply of liquid 52 is maintained at a constant level by means of a supply pipe 55 and an overflow weir 55. A feeder shaft 55, rotatably carried in bearings 55, extends across the tank iii. The shaft 55 is hollow or tubular and affixed to the same are one or more feed scoops 517, which are also hollow and which communicate with the interior of the hollow shaft 35 by internal openings 55. The scoops 3i are constructed as heretofore described and are also provided with external or inlet openings 39. In addition such shaft 55 is also pierced by discharge openings 45, located approximately 180 around its periphery from the internal openings 38. The interior chamber of shaft 35 is blocked at intervals by plugs or diaphragms M, which divide the same into a series of cylindrical compartments 42, each of which is penetrated by one each of internal openings 38 and discharge opening 40. The openings 38 and 40 are staggered or offset from each other, as shown in Figure 8, in order that the discharge openings 40 can discharge directly into liquid launder's or troughs 43. These troughs are disposed in the spaces between the scoops as shown in Figures 6 and 8. The shaft 35 may be rotated in any suitable manner by hand or power drive. In Figures 6 and 7 I have shown a sprocket d4 amazed to one end portion of the shaft 35, wihch sprocket is driven by a chain 45, from drive sprocket 55 on the armature shaft of an electric or other driving motor 47. The motor assembly and the feeding device are all carried upon a tilting frame or platform 48. At its end adjacent to motor ll, the tilting platform 48 is supported upon pivot pins 55, which in turn are held in pin sockets 55, the latter being supported on extension 5i of reagent tank 3i. At its other end, which supports bearings 36, the tilting frame 55 is equipped or formed upon its underside with wedge surface 52. Complemental adjusting wedges 55 cooperate with the surfaces 52 and are slidably supported in brackets or extensions 54 of the tank 511. Horizontal movement of the adjusting wedges 55, at right angles to the axis of shaft 55, is effected by threaded adjusting screws 55, equipped with lock nuts 55 which pass through tapped holes in fulcrum lugs 5i which glge ri idly attached to extension 55 of the tank The operation of the device as a liquid feeding apparatus is as follows:

As the hollow shaft 55 is rotated by the motor ll] and its drive arrangement, in th direction of the arrow shown in Figure 7, the scoops 3W enter, pass through and leave the pool of liquid 52 in the tank 5i and during their passage dip up a quantity of liquid 32, which passes into the scoops 5'77 through the external opening 39; the quantity of liquid dipped up being determined by the degree of submergence of scoops ill in the liquid body When the shaft 35 reaches a position in which the internal openings 38 are on top, the portions of liquid contained in the scoops 5i pass through internal openings 38 in the compartments 52 and thence out through discharge openings 55 into the liquid launders or troughs 55, which convey the liquid to its various destinations.

This multiplicity of scoops and launders each receiving equal amounts of the liquid, makes it possible to distribute the liquid to a number of operating machines in equal amounts as may be required. Thus any of the many mechanical distributors that frequently follow reagent feeders to effect this distribution can be eliminated and a saving made.

When it is desired to decrease the quantity of liquid dipped per revolution by scoops 3'l, lock nuts 55 are first backed ofi, then adjusting screws 55 are turned so as to force wedges 55 in an inward direction (to the left in Figure 7), thus swinging tilting frame 55 upwards about the center provided by pivot pins 55. The direction is shown, by the upper of the arrows B inFigure 7. Such movement acts to elevate bearings 36, shaft 35 and the feed scoops 3i, decreasing the degree of submergence of the scoops 31 in the liquid 32, and thus decreasing the quantity of liquid dipped up by them.

Conversely, turning of the adjusting screws 55 in the opposite direction will withdraw the wedges 53 toward the right,'permitting bearings 36 and shaft 35 to move downward in the path indicated by the lower of the arrows B in Figure 7. Thus the scoops 3i are submerged more deeply in the liquid 32, thus causing them to dip up a greater quantity of liquid per revolution. Lock nuts 56, when tightened against lugs '51, lock the mechanism firmly in the position selected.

It will be appreciated that the screw-and-wedge regulating device accomplishes the delicate and exact control of the feeder delivery within a limited range. -In case of the device being transferred to another service, in a different range, outside of that attainable by the wedge adjustment, change of capacity would be'accomplished by variation of the elements of the drive or change in motor speed.

It will further be appreciated that the invention provides a simple, compact, and readily operated and maintained liquid feeder for the purposes specified, normally operating at a constant speed but with closely regulable capacityof liquid fed, and also capable of being readily adjusted for service in another capacity range but under equally close regulation.

Referring more particularly to Figure 11, I have shown a modifiedform of adjustment which might be used in place of the wedge adjustment. Substantially vertical set screws 59 are threaded through tapped openings in the platform or tilting frame 48 after the manner of jack-screws. The lower ends of the screws 59 engage a fulcrum or block 80 carried by the tank or an extension thereof or any fixed part. Locknuts 6i may be used to bind the screws 59 in the ad- Justed position. By backing oil the lock nut 61 the screws 59 are free to be turned in one or the other direction which will increase or shorten the length'of the screws between the fulcrum block 60 and the platform 48; and this length is of course determinative of the angular position of the platform and the degree of submergence of the scoops in the liquid body.

It will be appreciated that the second form of the device, although called a liquid feeding device,- may be used for collecting samples, which samples are conveyed to destination by means of the launders 43, In a similar manner the first form of the device although denominated an automatic sampling apparatus'may be used as a liquid feeding device, a reagent being dipped up by the scoops and conveyed to destination through the open ends of the hollow shaft.

n the feeding device launders 43 may be connected to different machines so the feeder also acts as a distributer and eliminates the rotating distributer used in addition to reagent feeders in many instances.

In flotation plants, the reagent feeder delivers the total reagent in one stream sumcient for a plurality, for instance flotation machines. The bulk of the reagent is divided into five portions by a mechanical distributer.

In accordance with the present invention as many scoops as there are machines would be put on the shaft. The mechanical distributer would be thus eliminated. If, then, one machine was to be shut down for any reason, the operator would slip that launder from under the shaft and allow the reagent from that cutter to fall back into the tank.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction and design of the above specifically. described embodiment of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof, such changes and modifications being restricted only by the scope of the following claims. i

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic sampler comprising means to sustain a body of liquid to be sampled, bearings above said means, a hollow shaft journaled in said bearings and having open ends beyond the bearings and means, means for rotating the shaft, cutters spaced axially on the shaft for dipping up samples from the liquid body and transferring said samples to the-interior of the shaft, and means to selectively block of! either end of the shaft or any one cutter from either open end of the shaft.

2. An automatic sampler according to claim 1, further comprising. a rod carrying said blockingoiT means, said rod sufficiently long to project out beyond an end of the shaft and having graduations there0n, and a support through which the rod may be moved to shift the blocking-01f means and which cooperates with, said graduations to show the concealed position of the blocking-oi! means.

' CHARLES W. MORSE. 

